A family of seven had a lucky escape when their smoke alarm alerted them to a blaze at their Stratford home this morning.

All three floors of their house in The Green were damaged by the fire, which broke out just before 2am.

Four adults and three children fled the property before firecrews arrived.

They were suffering from smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital by ambulance.

Two fire engines and 10 firefighters spent around an hour tackling the blaze and five people were evacuated from neighbouring properties.

Watch Manager Jason Butcher said: “The family were woken up by their smoke alarm which gave them precious time to get out.

“Had it not been for the alarm this incident could have been a lot worse and people could have lost their lives as the fire was really fierce.”